Hi Jesse, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

During the spring of 2020, in the midst of covid, I was asked to create a large scale mural in the heart of my hometown. It was a project that frightened me and excited me – I had never created something so large. But I said yes to it and along with my uncle and a friend we created “The Sun will Rise” a 16′ x 20′ abstract mural depicting a colorful mountain scene. The hope is that this mural would brighten everyones day and lift spirits during such a depressed time. Also the location of the mural was so meant to be – it was placed on a building in town that my grandmother lived in when I was young and that I spent my childhood.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am an abstract painter, mural artist and graphic designer working in the Berkshires, MA. My goal is to create art that makes people happy – plain and simple, I hope everyone smiles when they see my art! I want folks to be as excited by color and vibrant hues and tones as I am – it’s a mood changer. I work with clients to create custom palettes that make them happy whether it be a painting for their home or a large scale mural for a business or at a public site. My work is based in my graphic design training. It’s comprised of geometric shapes, floods of color and mark making.

I received my degree from Otis College of Art & Design in Los Angeles. I sit on the board of the Berkshire Art Association and is the creator of the Drive.Walk.Bike by City ArtShow in Pittsfield, MA. which showcased over 40 artists during its inaugural show in 2020. Over the past 2 years I’ve worked on numerous large scale murals throughout the Berkshires. My latest mural, Welcome to Pittsfield, located at the Pittsfield train station welcomes all to my wonderful town.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I think like most of us our lives were turned upside down during covid. When the entire creative team was laid off from my place of work at the beginning of covid I had many choices to make. I delved full-time into making my art which has been a side job as long as I can remember. I created a website and worked to create art that was affordable during a hard time. I also decided to say yes to projects that were presented to me – even if they seemed overwhelming and scary. Saying yes kicked off my mural career. Prior to 2020 my art was focused on small paintings, collage and textiles. But people were in need of public art and I was offered many wonderful opportunities in my area to bring joy and vibrant, fun color to everyone!

One of my biggest pivots came during my summer residency at Miraval Resorts. I was creating a 40’x11′ abstract mural in a tunnel under the highway. The mural was going to take a month – but… half way through I broke my right arm (completely a separate incident than painting though) I needed to finish the mural which was all drawn out, thank goodness I have a very amazing art community and family. My uncle and husband became my right hands! and I trained myself to paint with my left hand. And we got it done!!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The absolute best part of making art, creating art and sharing your art is how happy is makes people!! Through art I have created an artistic community. I have become much more involved in my community and developed art events in town. I will continue to come up with new ideas, events and shows – art ideas are endless!

Contact Info:

• Website: jessetobinmccauley.com
• Instagram: @mooreofthetobin
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jesse.tobin.58
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessetobin/
• Other: Represented by His Daughter Paloma Gallery – Lenox MA

Image Credits
photos by jesse tobin mccauley